In a world of demanding jobs, social commitments, and relentless schedules, it seems the humble meal is often getting the short end of the stick. A recent study has revealed that a large proportion of Brits are regularly skipping meals, with breakfast being the most common victim. The research, conducted on 2,000 UK adults, found that a staggering 46% regularly skip the first meal of the day, while 30% often skip lunch. This trend is not just a matter of casual indifference; it’s driven by a combination of factors, including time constraints, a hectic daily routine, and simply a lack of appetite.
The study, commissioned by Arla Protein to celebrate the launch of their new Food to Go range, also shed light on the quick-fix foods people resort to when pressed for time. These often lack nutritional value and include a solitary packet of crisps (35%), a lone boiled egg (15%), or a simple jacket potato (11%). While these options may temporarily quell hunger, they lack the essential vitamins and minerals that a balanced meal would provide.
The research highlights that young adults aged 18-24 are more likely to skip meals than any other age group, with forgetfulness often being the culprit. Meanwhile, those aged 25-44 are more likely to miss meals due to heavy workloads and rushed routines. This pattern underscores the challenges of balancing demanding careers with the need for regular nourishment.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, parents are also significantly impacted. One in three parents (30%) admitted that their busy daily routines meant they regularly missed meals, with breakfast (43%) being the most frequent casualty. This highlights the immense pressures faced by families trying to juggle work, childcare, and household responsibilities while maintaining a healthy eating regimen.
Danny Micklethwaite, from Arla Protein, aptly describes the situation: “Brits often find themselves juggling work, life and social commitments, meaning important meals like breakfast and lunch become somewhat of an afterthought.” He continues, “We either skip these meals altogether or make hasty choices which can lack flavor and essential vitamins and minerals.”
This trend of meal skipping has a ripple effect, leading to a range of negative feelings. The research revealed that 28% of participants felt hungry, 27% tired, 15% less productive, and 14% irritable after skipping meals. Furthermore, a staggering 63% of participants reported suffering from decision fatigue, which affected 55% in their meal choices. This decision fatigue leads to hasty food decisions due to time constraints, resulting in less enjoyment than if meals were chosen more thoughtfully.
The brand’s new range of nutritionally balanced meal replacement protein drinks is designed to address this challenge by providing a complete meal in a single bottle, offering a convenient solution for busy adults seeking a nutritious option. “It’s clear there are lots of quick and easy options to grab throughout the day, but many of the choices are displeasing and don’t offer any nutritional value,” comments Danny Micklethwaite. This emphasizes the need for convenient yet nutritious food options to help people prioritize their health and well-being even in the midst of busy schedules.
